A man who admitted bombarding his former girlfriend with flowers, letters, emails and Facebook messages in a bid to re-establish their relationship has been released on bail after he was charged with harassing her.

A man who admitted bombarding his former girlfriend with flowers, letters, emails and Facebook messages in a bid to re-establish their relationship has been released on bail after he was charged with harassing her.

Anthony Martin John Elliott (43) from Glenabbey Crescent in Londonderry pleaded guilty to harassing the woman on various dates between February 6 and February 22 of this year.

It happened just after she had ended their nine-month relationship because of his drinking habits.

Objecting to bail, a police officer told Deputy District Judge John Rea at the Magistrates Court in Derry yesterday that the victim had since moved out of her home close to Elliott's address and into accommodation at Foyle Women's Aid.

He said this was because she was petrified by Elliott and in fear of him.

The officer said that the woman was now receiving counselling.

The police witness said Elliott had ignored numerous police warnings as well as letters from the woman's solicitor about his harassment behaviour towards her.

He said during the period in question the women had kept "a harassment diary" in which she had recorded the defendant's behaviour towards her.

Applying for bail, a defence barrister said the defendant was attempting to rekindle his relationship with his former girlfriend - but the barrister said the chances of that happening were zero.

"He tried to win her back and he has failed miserably," the barrister said.

The Deputy District Judge told Elliott to "accept life has moved on".

Mr Rea said his decision to release Elliott on bail was a borderline one'

He warned the defendant that if he reoffended he would go straight into custody.

The case was adjourned until April 6 to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and Elliott was released on his own bail of £250.

As part of his bail conditions he must not possess any internet-enabled device or any mobile telephone.

Elliott was also ordered not to contact the woman, not to consume alcohol and not to come within 50m of her home address.